Ben Simmons has signed a one-year, $3 million contract with the Sacramento Kings, choosing them over the New York Knicks and Golden State Warriors to restart his NBA career. The 30-year-old point guard returns after a year away from the league, aiming to prove himself in a smaller market with less intense media scrutiny. The Kings are coming off a 122-110 loss to the Portland Trail Blazers on April 13, 2026, and have a recent form of 2 wins and 3 losses in their last five games.

Why did Ben Simmons choose the Sacramento Kings?

Most NBA players gravitate towards major markets like New York or San Francisco. The Knicks and Warriors are also playoff contenders, while the Kings are projected to miss the postseason. For Simmons, that lower external pressure is exactly what he wants. Journalist Marc Spears explained Simmons's reasoning on Sactown Sports.

"One thing he likes about Sacramento is… he's never played in [a small market]." Spears said. He believes the pressure is off Simmons for the first time in his career. It's not that there's no pressure, but it isn't the excruciating kind he faced in larger cities.

Simmons has dealt with significant injuries and on-court struggles that led to heavy criticism. He wants to quietly re-establish himself as a quality NBA player without a constant media circus. Spears thinks the Sacramento media and fans will be more supportive, giving him the space to perform.

What role will Simmons play for the Kings?

Simmons is expected to serve as the backup to rookie point guard Darius Acuff Jr. His primary responsibilities will be playmaking and defense, two areas where he has historically excelled when healthy. The Kings will look for him to stabilize the second unit and provide veteran leadership.

A realistic target for his production would be averaging around 10 points, six rebounds, and six assists per game. Those numbers would represent a solid comeback and provide significant value for the Kings' investment. His ability to guard multiple positions could be a major asset for the team's defense.

You can track the team's performance and Simmons's integration on our [stats](/stats) page throughout the season.

How does this fit into the Kings' current context?

The signing comes as the Kings look to build consistency. Their recent form shows a pattern of wins and losses, highlighted by the sequence LWWLL. Adding a player of Simmons's pedigree, even on a prove-it deal, is a low-risk move with potential high reward.

If Simmons can return to even a fraction of his All-Star form, he could be a difference-maker in close games. His size and vision at the point guard position are unique. The Kings' fan base, which Spears praised as deeply passionate about basketball, is likely to embrace him if he shows effort and commitment.

The team's full schedule and upcoming matchups are available on our [fixtures](/fixtures) page. Simmons's journey back will be one of the key storylines to follow as Sacramento aims to improve on its current trajectory. His success or failure could influence the team's decisions at the trade deadline and in future free agency periods.